Some of our last day trips before our safari included the vineyards of Groot Constantia, Boulder's Beach, a bird park and the tip of the continent..Groot ConstantiaConstantia is where tall trees and stately mansion$ hide behind heavy gate$. Lady Diane's brother and Margaret Thatcher's son have taken up residences here. The vineyards and the wine establishments in this area are spectacular. In Groot Constantia, the oldest vineyard in area and Napoleon's favourite, the vines are surrounded by the hills and sun kissed by that warm yellow circle of light that finally decided to come out on the day of our visit. Rose bushes are planted in front of the vines as an early warming system to protect the grapes

. If the rose bushes are affected by a disease, it is a signal to treat the vines. Groot Constantia: I could live here!

Boulders' Beach

Where the penguins roam, swim, play, sunbathe, sleep and ignore the presence of curious tourists. Funny how the water can be so COLD in Africa! E: "I'm not going in, are you going in?" X: "Who will pay me to go in?"

Bird Park: Hout BayIt is well kept, has a good variety of birds and one of its largest cages hosts dozens of playful spider monkeys. We were allowed to feed and interact with these crazy climbing creatures. Before entering the cage, we tied our eye glasses "securely" to our heads; the oldest was wise enough to hide his in a pack sac. One monkey ripped the tie off my sun glasses and hopped to the highest branch. I could see tiny little pieces of my rubber glass tie falling off the tree. This cute little GRRR monkey was having a grand old time. I had to do a lot of smooth talking and negotiating (food) to re-appropriate my rubber tie!

Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope near Simon's Town is where two oceans meet; the Indian and the Atlantic. I did ask the boys to find the painted line that divided the two seas but they did not fall for that one. They are growing up too fast or becoming a little more astute to my sense of humour. It is also the southern most point of Africa. Next continent South of here; Antarctica.

Comments

Hello from the Hudsons in Ottawa We've been following your exploits with a great deal of interest, and a lot of laughs. Marie-Josée - you're a natural writer and comedienne, to boot. Our best to you, Ty, Etienne and Xavier. I'll try to nail down Bruce Black's email address.

I would normally say, 'Can't wait to see your photos when you get back!' But we've been seeing them all along!